If you’re in the mood for a comforting, savory meal, look no further than French Onion Beef and Noodles. This dish brings together tender beef stew meat, egg noodles, and the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup. With the addition of creamy sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and crispy French fried onions on top, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through how to make this flavorful, comforting dish, as well as provide variations and tips for pairing it with side dishes.
Overview of the Recipe
French Onion Beef and Noodles combines the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with tender beef stew meat and hearty egg noodles. The addition of sour cream and Parmesan cheese gives the dish a creamy, tangy twist, while crispy French fried onions add crunch and even more onion flavor. The dish is cooked in one pot, making it a quick, easy meal with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for cold nights or when you want something filling and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make French Onion Beef and Noodles:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef and adding flavor.
- 1 pound beef stew meat: Provides a tender, meaty base for the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat and soup.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup: The key ingredient that adds rich, savory onion flavor.
- 3 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: A hearty pasta that holds up well in the broth.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the savory flavors.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup French fried onions: Provides a crispy, flavorful topping for added texture.
Instructions
1. Heat the Oil
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, which ensures a good sear on the beef.
2. Sear the Beef
Add the 1 pound of beef stew meat to the pot, making sure the pieces are spread out in an even layer. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the beef for 3-5 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This step locks in the meat’s flavor and adds depth to the dish.
3. Simmer with Soup and Broth
Once the beef is seared, pour in the 10.5 ounces of French onion soup and 3 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the beef cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
4. Cook the Noodles
Add the 12 ounces of egg noodles to the pot. Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth. Make sure to stir gently to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add Sour Cream and Parmesan
Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in ½ cup of sour cream and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. This step transforms the broth into a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the beef and noodles. Stir until the sour cream and cheese are fully combined, creating a rich, silky sauce.
6. Serve with French Fried Onions
Before serving, sprinkle 1 cup of French fried onions over the top of the dish for added crunch and a boost of onion flavor. Serve the French Onion Beef and Noodles warm and enjoy its hearty, comforting flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
French Onion Beef and Noodles is a rich and filling main dish, but you can balance out the flavors with a few light and complementary sides. Here are some ideas for serving and pairing:
- Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish. Consider using arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a healthy, light side that pairs well with the savory beef and noodles.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier side, try roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
Variations of the Recipe
French Onion Beef and Noodles is versatile, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Use Chicken Instead of Beef: Swap out the beef stew meat for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter version of this dish. Cook the chicken the same way you would the beef.
- Add Vegetables: For a heartier, more balanced meal, stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas toward the end of cooking.
- Cheesy Twist: For extra cheesy goodness, stir in an additional ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese when you add the sour cream and Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and make sure your French onion soup and beef broth are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a spicy kick.
Health Benefits and Notes
While French Onion Beef and Noodles is a comforting and indulgent dish, it can be modified to make it a bit healthier:
- Lean Meat: Opt for leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin, or substitute with lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
- Lower Sodium: To control the salt content, use low-sodium beef broth and French onion soup. You can also reduce the amount of added salt.
- Add Veggies: Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers not only boosts the flavor but also increases the dish’s fiber and nutrient content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! French Onion Beef and Noodles can be made ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe, then allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
2. Can I freeze French Onion Beef and Noodles?
While pasta doesn’t always freeze well, you can freeze this dish before adding the noodles. Prepare the beef and sauce, cool it down, and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. Cook the noodles fresh and combine them with the reheated beef and sauce.
3. What other pasta shapes can I use?
If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine would work well in this dish. Choose a shape that can hold the sauce and meat well.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a bit of extra broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
5. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes! Ground beef is a great alternative to stew meat if you want to speed up the cooking process. Brown the ground beef as you would the stew meat, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Conclusion
French Onion Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, savory onion soup, creamy noodles, and a crunchy topping of French fried onions. It’s a perfect dish for cozy nights when you want something rich and satisfying, but easy to prepare. Whether you serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with plenty of variations and make-ahead options, it’s a versatile recipe that can fit into any meal plan.
Enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of this one-pot wonder!
